Over the past few years, the use of marijuana has been legalized in many states in the U.S. Many more countries are debating whether to legalize it or not. One of the main reasons for legalizing it is its medicinal value. However, whether it is legalized or not, marijuana adversely affects society. But some people argue that the benefits outweigh the harms. While others think that weed should not be legalized at all. Whichever side you support, here are the potential risks mothers should be aware of.
1. Premature and underweight delivery
Women who smoke weed when pregnant end up giving birth to underweight children. Low levels of oxygen cause low birth weight. Also, weed smoking interferes with normal breathing. It makes it difficult for the body to maintain a consistent temperature level. Furthermore, studies show that even when the child is born typically, it must spend some days in the neonatal unit. It implies that smoking weed while pregnant will affect the mother and the unborn child.2. Stillbirth risk
Pregnant mothers who smoke weed are more likely to experience stillbirth. Studies conducted on umbilical cords showed that women who smoke weed have a higher chance of having a stillbirth. Unfortunately, women who smoke pot also use tobacco. So it is not clear whether the high rate of stillbirth is caused by marijuana or tobacco. But doctors caution that pregnant women should avoid weed and tobacco. It will help to reduce the risks of stillbirth.3. Reduced lung function
Although lung function may appear to improve in the short run, continued pot use is likely to degrade them. It later brings about lung disease complications. Also, weed smoking is believed to be a leading cause of obstructive diseases. In some cases, the use of marijuana is associated with heart attacks and failures. However, it is unclear whether smoking weed alone can trigger a heart attack. According to studies, there is a close relationship between pot smoking and heart attack.4. It may affect a breastfeeding child
Unlike alcohol and other drugs, the body metabolizes marijuana slowly. It stores it in fat cells, so the ingredient may remain in the body long after it is used. But since it takes time before the system clears, it gets into the blood and the breasts. When the baby is breastfed, it ingests the ingredients. Studies show that it may eventually harm the unborn child. The amount of marijuana used and how often the child is exposed to the smoke are likely to contribute to the overall effect.Studies on the effect of weed on mothers and their children are ongoing. However, it affects both the smoker and the unborn child. Also, it leads to stillbirth and is believed to be one of the causes of underweight children. So, mothers-to-be need to keep off the substance because of the effects it is likely to have on the unborn babies.
